Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 21: Contradictions
Emily was depressed.
—In the end, I didn’t get a chance to do anything at all…
Emily brooded as she gazed blankly from the carriage window at the scenery of the royal capital.
When news arrived that an undead beast had appeared northeast of the capital, she had expected a perfect opportunity to earn praise for her efforts. Instead, her excitement quickly collapsed.
There had been no time to change from her beautiful dress before she was placed in the kingdom’s most luxurious carriage. Yet even that failed to lift her spirits.
—I was delighted to meet the king, but we hardly spoke…
The royal carriage was large enough for eight and divided into front and rear compartments. Emily had been seated at the side with the attendants. She spent far less time with the king than she had hoped and received only a few words of praise.
—This isn’t nearly as enjoyable as I expected. I wish I could return to the battlefield.
She looked at the sky in the distance.
The royal capital had once been a place of yearning for Emily. Born in a dull provincial territory with nothing of interest, she had never imagined such a life as either a child or an apprentice cleric. At first, staying in the palace and wearing the most beautiful gowns she had ever seen thrilled her.
Within three days, however, she found it far more boring than expected.
—There’s no point wearing a beautiful dress if no one praises it.
Elliot and the other knights were occupied each day with reports, meetings, preparations, and training, leaving almost no time for her. Dressing beautifully held no pleasure when nobody was present to admire and praise her.
On the battlefield, everyone had praised her efforts after every fight against the undead beasts. People constantly surrounded her, each day felt fulfilling, and Emily had been happy.
Alone in the quiet carriage, Emily began to fantasize.
What if an undead beast attacked the carriage? What if it wounded the king? If Emily saved him, healed his injuries, and purified them, everyone would surely praise and thank her.
“Welcome back, Lady Emily.”
Upon reaching the palace, Emily was greeted by an elegantly dressed young noblewoman. A year older than Emily and heir to a duchy, Marianne had been appointed to tutor her each day in the conduct expected of a lady.
“Oh, Marianne… Um, our lessons in noble etiquette begin today, don’t they?”
“Yes, let’s do our best.”
Marianne smiled. She remained kind and gentle despite Emily’s common birth. Emily had expected contempt or ridicule, so the courtesy surprised her—yet at the same time, she disliked being with Marianne.
If Emily married Elliot, she would become a countess and needed the education appropriate to that station. She understood this and knew she was fortunate to have a gentle, kind instructor.
—But she never praises me.
Marianne never scolded Emily or mocked her ignorance, but always encouraged her warmly with a soft smile. At first, that had been reassuring. Before long, it became depressing.
Aristocratic manners and etiquette were difficult, full of unfamiliar details. Failing to perform or remember them despite repeated attempts only made Emily feel inferior, and the lessons were no fun at all. Their subject matter was painfully dull as well.
“It’s okay, you can do it.”
“Let’s do our best.”
“Now, don’t give up, let’s try again.”
No matter how many mistakes Emily made, Marianne continued offering the same kind encouragement. That kindness gave Emily no excuse to escape the endless, dreadful, joyless hours.
—If only she would be cruel or angry with me. Then Elliot would comfort me.
Emily never voiced the thought, but she entertained it nonetheless.
On their way to the room where the lesson would take place, Marianne stopped.
Down one of the palace’s many corridors, a young man whose face retained a boyish quality approached with several attendants.
“Lady Emily, simply imitate me.”
Marianne whispered, straightened her back, and bowed her head as he passed through the corridor below. Unfamiliar with the custom, Emily followed her example. Every servant and noble nearby did the same, so she could guess his identity without seeing his face.
—Oh, the prince. He’s also… Huh?
Once the young man had passed and the moment of silence ended, Emily raised her head. Marianne’s expression startled her.
Marianne watched the prince depart. Her smile had vanished and her eyes were cold, almost contemptuous.
After they reached the lesson room and were alone, Emily boldly questioned her.
“Um… do you dislike him too, Marianne?”
Marianne’s eyes widened. After swiftly checking their surroundings, she smiled.
“Lady Emily, it would be most improper if anyone overheard. Please be careful. But…”
Though no one else occupied the room, Marianne leaned close, hid her mouth behind a fan, and whispered as though sharing a secret.
“I won’t deny it. You know what people call him: a disgrace. You must tell no one.”
Emily nodded repeatedly at Marianne’s insistence. Marianne gave her a smile unlike any Emily had seen before—cold and faintly amused. Emily smiled back.
—This is nice. She has this side to her too.
For the first time, Emily began to like Marianne a little.